An Ionian jewel made famous with Hollywood’s Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Kefalonia is a beautiful island where it’s easy to lose yourself, amid verdant countryside and time-forgotten villages. While visitors can enjoy a vibrant eating and drinking scene at the island’s resorts like Lassi, or the capital, Argostoli, the real magic lies in exploring the pristine outdoors. Think Mediterranean forests, wild meadows and vineyards, emerald coves with clear waters and quaint villages that have survived the earthquake of 1953.
One of these places is Svoronata, a traditional Greek village surrounded by olive and orange groves, wildflowers and fruit orchards, on the southwestern coast of Kefalonia. Svoronata is a short 10-minute drive from the airport and just under 20 minutes from Argostoli.
It has winding narrow streets, colorful gardens and much of its historic architecture intact.
Tourist development remains limited here – but there are mini-markets catering to your needs as well as a number of traditional tavernas with classic Kefalonia and Greek dishes. Just walk a couple of meters from your base at the Seasons and you will end up at Ai Helis Beach, a sheltered sandy cove which offers sun beds and umbrellas, a beach bar, a seafood taverna and of course beach volley. Jump in your car and in minutes you can enjoy the other beaches in the area.
